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School of Nursing & Midwifery

Bachelor in Science in Midwifery Honours Degree programme

MW2102 -Midwifery Practice: Pre-existing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology: Principles (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

  • Discuss pathophysiological patterns of pre-existing disease progression in pregnancy, labour and the puerperium;
  • Relate the progression of disease to its potential impact on pregnancy, labour and the puerperium;
  • Discuss the role of the midwife in the care of women experiencing pre-existing pathophysiologies;
  • Display the ability to access and source prompt and appropriate aid for women experiencing pre-existing pathophysiologies;
  • Demonstrate the ability to provide competent midwifery care for women experiencing pre-existing pathophysiologies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacological principles;
  • Discuss the range, effects and side effects of the main pharmacological preparations used in pregnancy, labour, the puerperium and neonatology;
  • Demonstrate the ability to safely perform the skill of administration of medication orally, intramuscularly and subcutaneously;
  • Correctly calculate drug dosages, infusion rates.

Module Learning Aims

In practice, students will begin to administer medications and use alternative and complementary
therapies as they give midwifery care to women under supervision of midwives. This module builds upon
this knowledge and experience by provide students with knowledge and information on pharmacological
principles and the entire range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological preparations used in
pregnancy, labour, the puerperium and in gynaecology including gynaecology oncology and emergency
procedures.

Recommended Reading List

Essential Reading

  • Marshall J.E. & Raynor M. D. (eds.) (2014) Myles Textbook for Midwives, 16th edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  • An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (2015) Practice Standards for Midwives. Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann, Dublin.
  • An Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann (2007) Guidance to Nurses and Midwives on Medication Management. Bord Altranais agus Cnáimhseachais na hÉireann, Dublin.
  • Boyle M. (ed.) (2002) Emergencies around Childbirth: a Handbook for Midwives. Radcliffe, Oxford.
  • Chapman V. & Charles, C. (eds.) (2009) The Midwife’s Labour and Birth Handbook, 2nd edn. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
  • Macdonald S. & Magill-Cuerden J., (eds.) (2011) Mayes’ Midwifery. A Textbook for Midwives, 14th edn. Balliere Tindall, London.
  • Robson S.E. & Waugh J., (eds) (2008) Medical Disorders in Pregnancy. A Manual for Midwives. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
  • Stables D. & Rankin J. (eds.) (2010) Physiology in Childbearing: With Anatomy and Related Biosciences, 3rd edn. Bailliere Tindall, Edinburgh.
  • Wylie L. & Bryce H. (2008) The Midwives’ Guide to Key Medical Conditions: Pregnancy and Childbirth. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  • Banister C. (2004) The Midwife's Pocket Formulary, 2nd edn. Books for Midwives, Edinburgh.
  • Briggs G., Freedman R. & Yaffe, S. (2008) Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation : a reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk, 8th edn. Williams & Wilkins, London.
  • Johnson R. & Taylor W. (2010) Skills for Midwifery Practice, 3nd edn. Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh.
  • Jordan S. (2010) Pharmacology for Midwives: the Evidence Base for Safe Practice, 2nd edn. Palgrave, Basingstoke.
  • Lee A., Inch S. & Finnigan D. (2000) Therapeutics in Pregnancy and Lactation. Radcliffe, Oxford.

* Additional readings will be given for each unit of learning.